“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. … And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:7, 10-11 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Christmas greetings!
From a sermon by Martin Luther for Christmas Eve:
(Our) faith does not merely consist in believing that this story is true, as it is written. For that does not avail anything, because everyone, even the damned, believe that. Concerning faith, Scripture and God’s word do not teach that it is a natural work, without grace. Rather the faith that is the right one, rich in grace, demanded by God’s word and deed, is that you firmly believe Christ is born for you and that his birth is yours, and come to pass for your benefit. For the Gospel teaches that Christ was born for our sake and that he did everything and suffered all things for our sake, just as the angel says here: “I announce to you a great joy which will come to all people; for to you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord” [Luke 2:10–11]. From these words you see clearly that he was born for us.
The Lord be with you!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace this weekend…
Sunday, December 18
9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class (Begin together in the sanctuary)
9:00 Holy Communion
10:30 Holy Communion
PoP News …
Ladies Bible Study Breakfast: Saturday, December 17, at 9 o’clock. Please remember, ladies, to bring a Christmas gift for your prayer pal.
“Christmas Memories” Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministry are available in the foyer. You can also read or listen to these devotions online at https://www.lhm.org/advent/
Sunday Schedule for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: There will be NO Sunday School classes and NO early worship service on December 25 and January 1. Sunday School and the early service option will resume on January 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s “Gifts from the Heart” are meaningful and tangible gifts that will share God’s love with the world. No matter which you choose, the gifts you give are saving and changing lives. Pick up a copy in the foyer.
Picture Request: Does anyone have Christmas Eve Candlelight Service pictures that we might use in a promotional on social media for our upcoming Christmas service schedule? Let me know. Thanks.
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Christmas Services at Prince of Peace.
Saturday December 24
5:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Each service will be preceded by special Christmas music. Come early!
Sunday December 25 10:30am Christmas Day Worship Service
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Online News …
Christian author, Max Lucado, writes, “Should we just skip Christmas this year?” To read this good article, click here.
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s topics include: A New Study on Marriage & Religious Affiliation, The Movie “Rogue One,” Adam & Eve, Katie Luther, The Apostle Thomas and more. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering from surgery
- Those in hospital
- Those suffering injury
- Those who are ill
- Our shut-ins and others who might find this season of the year challenging
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
